Guanyin's Birthday

This festival celebrated on the 19th day of the second lunar month, honors Guan Yin, one of the most popular deities in China, revered by Buddhists and Taoists alike. She is seen as an embodiment of the virtues of kindness and compassion and is worshipped by merchants, farmers, sailors and women seeking to bear children. Devotees flock to temples and shrines and make offerings of fruit and vegetables. Traditionally vegetarian noodles are eaten on this day.